Examining the Association between Sense of Belonging and Intent to Return for Autistic and Non-Autistic First-Year College Students

Authors: Jessica Knaster, Diego Aragon-Guevara, Jennifer Gillis Mattson

Field of Study: Psychology: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Program Affiliation: Advancing Autism research through Collaboration Education and Support

Faculty Mentors: Jennifer Gillis Mattson

Easel: 12

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: While there has been an increase in the number of autistic students attending college, they are at greater risk of attrition than non-autistic peers. College completion is associated with improved outcomes for autistic adults (e.g. employment, income, social quality of life). Sense of Belonging (SB), defined as feeling respected, accepted, and connected to others, is recognized as a predictor of student persistence, and may explain higher attrition among autistic students. The National Survey of Student Engagement was used to investigate the relationship between SB and Intent to Return (IR) for autistic first-year college students using a multilevel modeling approach. Findings suggest autistic students report lower IR than non-autistic peers; both groups demonstrated a significant positive association between SB and IR. Autism status did not moderate this relationship. Implementing support for SB may be beneficial for all students navigating the first year of college, regardless of autism status.